Number of Kuwaiti tourists who visited Malaysia in 2013 amounted to 22,195, as part of 235,000 Arabs, according to Ng Yen Yen, the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Chairperson. Yen said in an interview with KUNA that statistical figures of the authority indicated no drop of the figure of the tourists this year, in comparison to last year, because Malaysia drew tourists from other Asian nations.

On the government strategies to lure more Arab tourists, namely Kuwaitis, she said the Malaysian tourism authorities have targeted the Middle East since mid 90s. Tourism in Malaysia is particularly lucrative for Arabs and Muslims, where the faithful can practice their regular rituals easily and freely and eat "halal" food at all tourist attractions.

The ministry established an Islamic tourism committee, tasked with offering facilities to the Arab and Muslim tourists, she said, adding that the nation "has been classified as the best friendly tourist destination in the Muslim world." The official said the recent crash of two Malaysian airlines has not affected the tourism sector, adding that the ministry is drawing up new plans to promote the sector.